146 WESTERN MEADOW LARK. 
themselves; although their soft purple beak ap- 
pears ill-adapted to perform such labour, although 
the wood, being soft from decay, easily crumbles. 
They assemble in large flocks before migrating 
in September. 
Western Meapow Lark (Sturnella neglecta, 
Aud.).—After being shut up, and closely impri- 
soned by. the bitter cold and deep snows of a 
North-western winter, one hails with delight the 
first heralds, announcing the prospect of speedy 
relief—sunshine and summer. The meadow- 
larks (or starlings, more correctly ) are amongst the 
earliest arrivals, making their appearance in the 
interior of British Columbia, before the snow has 
begun to thaw even from the roofs of the log-huts. 
Their custom, on first arriving, is to sit on the 
extreme tops of the sprays that project above 
the snow. The brilliant golden-yellow, decking 
their breasts, and the rich browns on the back 
and wings, are in such vivid contrast with the 
intense white on every side, that one is almost 
tempted to imagine some magi’s hand had con- 
jured gorgeous blossoms on the leafless sticks; 
until the mellow plaintive songs, pealing over the 
wintry waste, tells you that life is there, with 
hope and confidence in coming events. Leaves, 
flowers, grass, insects, all are missing, still the 
